Kampala, Uganda – September 20, 2025: Mercy Kanyesigye, the second runner-up in the just-concluded NRM youth elections, has petitioned party chairperson and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, challenging the credibility of the polls she described as tainted by intimidation, bribery, and interference from government officials.
Kanyesigye, who polled 1,269 votes (38.9%), lost to Diana Ampaire Kampe, who was declared winner with 58.6% of the vote. Despite the defeat, Kanyesigye insists the process was manipulated to block her victory and has vowed not to be silenced.
“This Was Not Free and Fair”
Addressing journalists flanked by supporters from Acholi, West Nile, Lango, Greater Masaka, Greater Mubende, and Mpigi, Kanyesigye thanked the youth from across these regions for standing firm in the face of intimidation.
“I appreciate the different sub-regions that were at the center of intimidation but refused to be silenced. What we experienced was not free and fair elections, and that undermines our constitutional right to choose leaders,” she said.
She claimed Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), army officers especially and some cabinet ministers directly interfered with the process, intimidating delegates and bribing youth leaders to tilt the vote.
“This is unconstitutional and undermines the party process regardless of the intimidation by RDCs. Our party chairperson, Yoweri Museveni, has always fought such malpractices. He should summon those officials and ministers who were involved,” Kanyesigye added.
Allegations of Bribery and Intimidation
Kanyesigye’s campaign team, dubbed Team Kanyes, accused NRM insiders of pouring money into the election to sway voters. She pointed out incidents in West Nile where delegates were allegedly promised cash in exchange for votes, arguing that this distorted the democratic process.
“It was unfair that others had resources to influence delegates while young people were struggling to defend their voices. No one should be silenced in a democratic process,” she stressed.
Gratitude to Supporters
Despite the setback, Kanyesigye expressed heartfelt gratitude to the 1,003 youth leaders who backed her candidacy, saying their courage in the face of threats and pressure gave her strength.
“Honestly, there was a lot of intimidation, but the young people stood firm. I don’t take your courage and support for granted. I also thank my agents and mentors who stood with me from day one until the final tally,” she said.
She urged her supporters, many of whom have called her in disappointment, to remain calm as she considers her next steps.
“I know many of you are heartbroken, but stay strong. I am strong, and I am committed to working with young people to push forward the youth agenda. We shall inform you of the way forward,” she assured.
Looking Ahead
Kanyesigye emphasized that her petition to Museveni is not about personal loss but about safeguarding the NRM’s internal democratic processes. She argued that what transpired undermined the very principles of democracy, unity, and representation enshrined in both Uganda’s Constitution and the NRM party constitution.
As her petition awaits response, Kanyesigye has positioned herself as a voice for transparency within the ruling party’s youth structures — and has vowed that “nothing will stop the revolutionary cause” of young Ugandans seeking fair representation.
